La Granja Restaurant
Address: 4840 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres; 561-439-4594
Type of food: Peruvian
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Dining facility: Roomy but very informal. This place is about eating, not seating.
Service: Very organized for dine in and takeout. Unless you speak Spanish, there's a language barrier.
The Dish
This authentic eatery offers hearty dinner platters that may serve for two nights.
We tried the boneless breast of chicken platter ($7.95) that comes with yellow rice and black beans, as well as sweet yet a bit greasy fried bananas, which are sweeter than fried plantains. The chicken is sliced thin, char-grilled and lightly seasoned with fresh black pepper.
We tried numerous salsalike toppings from a serve-yourself condiment bar that holds six options, including barbecue, garlic and the "sauce of life," a fresh mix of chopped onions, parsley and tomatoes that blends well with the chicken.
If you want a little more zing, try the green-tinged garlic sauce that is a zesty but not overly hot blend of onions and spices with a currylike consistency. I am enticed by the vibrant yellow rice that is served with the chicken.
The grilled steak sandwich ($5.95) is a thin slice of moist beef in a light marinade that doesn't overwhelm the beefy flavor. It is served on a thick kaiser roll with sesame seeds. You can order the sandwich with a side, such as rice and beans, fried yuca, house salad, arepas, six tortillas, fries or fried bananas.
We opt for the yuca fries, which prove thick and plump like steak fries.
La Granja also serves Spanish soft drinks, imported beers and wines. There are also rotisserie chicken meals.
The foam containers used for takeout are a bit overwhelmed by the portions but nothing spills in transit. The condiments go into small containers that are provided at the bar.
Nancy Stein-McCarthy is a freelance writer for the Sun-Sentinel.
